With fall comes Coffee Break The opening...

With fall comes Coffee Break

The opening Coffee Break, the Laguna Beach Parent Education

Program, will be from 8:15 to 10 a.m. Sept. 22 at the Surf and Sand

Hotel, 1555 S. Coast Highway.

Many Laguna school leaders will be speaking to share how their

vision of the “Quest for Excellence” program is progressing and

communicate what’s upcoming. Supt. Theresa Daem and Assistant Supt.

Steven Keller will be present, as well the four principals -- Joanne

Culverhouse, Nancy Blade, Chris Duddy and Ron LaMotte, presenting the

latest updates on the district and each individual school site. The

Coffee Break forum offers an informal setting to encourage dialogue,

questions and information.

This Coffee Break will also include a presentation by the Social

and Emotional Education Development committee. The purpose of this

committee is to promote the social and emotional well-being of young

people in Laguna Beach.

SchoolPower hopes to raise like last year

SchoolPower’s community campaign kicks off this week. People with

children attending Laguna Beach schools can expect a phone call from

one of more than 50 volunteers to ask for a tax-deductible

contribution to the annual campaign.

SchoolPower raises money for all the schools in the district. This

year’s campaign goal is to exceed $300,000 for the second year in a

row. The funds go toward a variety of programs offered at the

schools.

All pledges are welcome. Donors of $1,200 and up will receive

special recognition throughout the year and free tickets to

SchoolPower’s golf tournament on Nov. 1 and dinner dance March 12.

Donors of $50 or more will receive a free “Laguna Locals” discount

card. For information, go to the SchoolPower office, 733 St. Ann’s

Drive, or call (949) 494-6811.

Schools celebrate technology upgrades

Beginning this school year, Laguna Beach Unified School District

is working on a revised technology support process.

Assistant Supt. Steven Keller said these upgrades have been a

priority and will benefit students and staff with substantial

technology progress this year. Teachers have attended several

professional development opportunities to enhance their skills.

The improvements include a field technician, who will offer

maintenance and immediate technology support. And most Laguna

teachers will be receiving new computers. The computers have been

purchased with the help of SchoolPower, district funds and each

school’s budget.

PTA council educates and donates

The Laguna Beach Parent Education Program, part of PTA council,

has lined up speakers to educate Laguna parents.

Coffee Break received a special $7,000 grant from the SchoolPower

Endowment, and those funds will be matched by the Foundation for the

Contemporary Family. Judith Anderson, chairperson of the Parent

Education Program, said the grant will help Coffee Break bring

qualified experts in to speak to parents.

SchoolPower Golf Tournament coming

The 12th annual SchoolPower Golf Tournament at Coto de Caza Golf

Club will be on Nov. 1 with a kick off party at Laguna Art Museum

from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 21.

More than 200 golfers are expected to tee off at the “SchoolPower

Got Beach Classic.” Organizers said registration fees and donations

are likely to exceed the $100,000 goal of this event, with 90% of the

proceeds going to Laguna Beach schools and the remaining 10% going

directly to the athletic department.

This year’s tournament kickoff party will feature food, drinks,

dancing and prizes. Music will be provided by Blues Offenders.

Admission is $35, and anyone is welcome to attend. For information or

to register, call SchoolPower at (949) 494-6811.

Registration fees for the golf tournament are $275 for golf and

dinner or $100 for cocktails and dinner only. The registration

deadline is Oct. 22.

LBHS Class of 1994 reunion on the way

Laguna Beach High School class of 1994 will have its 10-year

reunion Oct. 23.

Tickets are $50 or $85 per couple, which include food, drinks and

dancing. To attend, send a check, payable to Sarah O’Rourke, 90

Lyford Drive, No. 1, Tiburon, CA 94920. For information, e-mail

sarah_orourke76@hotmail.com or call (415) 297-6514.